Software-controlled alternative nicotine/thc delivery device

ABSTRACT

A software-controlled alternative nicotine/THC delivery device. A processor determines instructions for providing a first inhalation containing a first vaporizable solution and a second inhalation containing a second vaporizable solution (the first vaporizable solution comprising a first substance, the second vaporizable solution comprising a second substance and not the first substance), provides a plurality of inhalations from an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device, receives user input regarding the delivery of the first vaporizable solution and the second vaporizable solution, and modifies the instructions for providing the inhalations from the alternative nicotine/THC delivery device based on the user input.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/533,874, frledNov. 5, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/483,828, filed Sep. 11, 2014, whichclaims priority to U.S. Prov. Pat. Appl. No. 61/970,238, filed Mar. 25,2014, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This disclosure relates to an inhalation sensor configured to determineand/or regulate an amount of nicotine and/or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)delivered by the alternative nicotine/THC delivery device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Alternative nicotine delivery devices (such as electronic cigarettes,vaporizers, and tobacco furnaces) are a widely popular means of nicotinedelivery. Because they are more analogous to traditional cigarettes thanother nicotine delivery devices like gums or patches, it is easier formost users to transition from traditional cigarettes to alternativenicotine delivery devices.

Traditional cigarettes, by way of the smoke itself, create aself-limiting maximum rate of nicotine consumption because inhalingtraditional cigarette smoke at an increased rate creates levels ofdiscomfort (for example, coughing, carbon monoxide, heat from the smoke,etc.). The alternative nicotine delivery device, however, poses a riskof increased nicotine consumption because the almost-sensationlesseffect of inhaling the vaporized nicotine solution does not have theself-limiting side effects of traditional cigarettes. Due toinconsistency in manufacturing, the amount of nicotine delivered by eachalternative nicotine delivery device may vary from unit to unit.Therefore, nicotine consumption per alternative nicotine delivery devicecannot be reliably tracked.

Inhalation of THC is being decriminalized and/or legalized in anincreasing number of jurisdictions. Similar to nicotine, THC may beinhaled by an alternative delivery device which does not produce theself-limiting side effects of traditional cigarette.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention is an inhalation sensor for analternative nicotine/THC delivery device having a diluted nicotine/THCsolution. The inhalation sensor includes a processor and memory. Thememory includes a solution profile including information indicative ofthe nicotine/THC concentration of the diluted nicotine/THC solution anda device profile including information indicative of the alternativenicotine/THC delivery device. The inhalation sensor is configured todetermine an amount of nicotine/THC consumed by a user of thealternative nicotine/THC delivery device based on the solution profileand the device profile.

In some instances, the simple act of informing the user regardingnicotine/THC consumption may reduce the nicotine/THC consumption of theuser. In other instances, the user may want to be restricted fromexceeding a predetermined maximum nicotine/THC consumption level.Accordingly, the alternative nicotine/THC delivery device may restrictthe amount of nicotine/THC consumed by the user based on a predeterminednicotine/THC consumption amount or user input.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may enable an alternativenicotine delivery device to be classified as a smoking cessation devicerather than a simple nicotine delivery system. This classification mayenable the alternative nicotine delivery device to be purchased throughhealth insurance providers and/or avoid the burdens of additionalregulation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments will be set forth with reference to the drawings,in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery deviceaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery deviceaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery deviceaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an inhalation sensor according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device accordingto another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device accordingto yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device accordingto yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device accordingto yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates another view of the charging unit illustrated in FIG.1B and/or the charging unit illustrated in FIG. 1C according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be set forth indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which likereference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The descriptionset forth below and illustrated in part by the drawings is intended toserve as a description of exemplary embodiments of the application andis not intended to represent the only methods by which the presentapplication can be constructed and/or utilized. The description setsforth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing,calibrating and operating exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalentfunctions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodimentsthat are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure. Exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are not necessarily to scale and are instead provided to conveythe inventive concepts to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1A illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device 100 a,including a reservoir 110 a for storing a diluted nicotine/THC solution112, a power source 120 a, electronic circuitry 130 a, and a heatingelement 140 (shown inside cut-out 150). The device 100 a may alsoinclude a negative pressure switch or manually actuated switch (notshown). The electronic circuitry 130 a may include a processor and maybe configured to electrically connect the power source 120 a and theheating element 140 to vaporize the solution 112 in response to theswitch. The electronic circuitry 130 a may also provide very basicfunctions including passing current to a decorative light emitting diode(LED), regulating electrical current flow to the heating element 140,and limiting the contiguous amount of time the heating element 140 canbe in use for one inhalation (i.e., draw, usage, puff) of the device inorder to protect the solution 112 and heating element 140 fromoverheating and releasing toxic substances from the nicotine/THCsolution (e.g., formaldehyde).

While the device 100 a may be an electronic cigarette including thereservoir 110 a for storing a diluted nicotine/THC solution 112, inanother exemplary embodiment the device 100 a may be any othervaporizing device configured to deliver any vaporized solution (with orwithout nicotine or THC). In yet another exemplary embodiment, the 100may be a tobacco furnace including a nicotine/THC cartridge (forexample, a cartridge containing tobacco or cannabis and a filter) inaddition to or instead of the reservoir 110 a for storing the solution112.

The reservoir 110 a may be refillable or disposable. The power source120 a may be a battery, a fuel injector, or any other device configuredto supply power to the heating element 140. The power source 120 a maybe rechargeable or disposable. The power source 120 a may be configuredto recharge via a wired or wireless connection, by mating with acharging unit as discussed below, and/or by harvesting power fromsources such as radio waves, heat, light, motion, etc. The reservoir 110may be removably connected to the power source 120 a or the reservoir110 a and the power source 120 a may be integrated into a single device.The electronic circuitry 130 a may be incorporated as part of the powersource 120 a, the reservoir 110 a or as a separate, removablyconnectable device.

FIG. 1B illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device 100 baccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thedevice 100 b may include one or more inhalation units 110 b and acharging unit 180 a. Similar to the device 100 a, the inhalation units110 b may include a reservoir for storing a diluted nicotine/THCsolution 112, a power source, and a heating element to vaporize thesolution 112.

The charging unit 180 a may include a power source 120 b, electroniccircuitry 130 b, and memory 160. The power source 120 b may beconfigured to store and transfer power to the power source of theinhalation units 110 b. For example, the power source of the inhalationunit 110 b may be a rechargeable battery and the power source 120 b(which may also be a rechargeable battery) may store electric power andcharge and recharge the battery of one or more of the inhalation units110 b when one or more of the inhalation units 110 b is coupled with thecharging unit 180 a.

The memory 160 may be any suitable device configured to store data. Forexample, the memory 160 may be non-volatile memory. The electroniccircuitry 130 b may include a processor (similar to the electroniccircuitry 130 a).

FIG. 1C illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device 100 caccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thedevice 100 c may include a compressed air inhalation unit 110 c and acharging unit 180 b. Similar to the charging unit 180 a, the chargingunit 180 b may include a power source 120 b, electronic circuitry 130 b,and memory 160.

The charging unit 180 b may include a compressed nicotine/THC vaporreservoir 170 configured to store the nicotine/THC solution 112 underpressure. Unlike the inhalation unit 110 b, the inhalation unit 110 cmay not include a power source or a heating element. Instead, the device100 c may be configured such that the reservoir 170 fills and/or refillsthe compressed air inhalation units 110 c with a pressurizednicotine/THC solution 112 when the compressed air inhalation unit 110 cmates with the charging unit 180 b. In this instance, the compressed airinhalation unit 110 c is configured to deliver the pressurized solution112 to the user in response to an inhalation.

FIG. 2 illustrates an inhalation sensor 200 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The inhalation sensor 200 includesa processor 230, at least one timer 240, and memory 260. The memory 260may include a solution profile 262 and a device profile 264. Theinhalation sensor 200 may also include an inhalation timing sensor 250,an air flow sensor 270, and/or a heating element sensor 280.

The processor 230 may be an integrated circuit or soft logic processor.The memory 260 may be any non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium, such flash memory, configured to store data and instructionsthat, when executed by the processor 230, carry out relevant portions ofthe features described herein.

The timer(s) 240 may be any device configured to measure time intervals.Each of the one or more timers 240 may be “always on” (real-time clock)and measure time intervals as long as the device 100 a-c is connected toa power source or the device 100 a-c may include a switch to connect anddisconnect power to one or all of the timers 240. In either instance,the timer or timers 240 may be configured to measure time intervals bothduring and after an inhalation of the device 100 a-c.

The inhalation timing sensor 250 may be any device configured todetermine if a user is actively inhaling the solution 112. Theinhalation timing sensor 250 may be configured to detect, for example,the output of the negative pressure switch described above, negativepressure from the user, air flow, flow of the solution 112 from thereservoir 110 a, etc. The air flow may be determined by an optional airflow sensor 270 (discussed below).

As described in more detail below, the inhalation sensor 200 may beincorporated within the device 100 a, the inhalation unit 110 b, thecharging unit 180, an external device, or any combination thereof. Inone example, the inhalation sensor 200 may be incorporated within thedevice 100 a (for example, as part of the electronic circuitry 130 a).

In another example, the inhalation sensor 200 may be incorporated withinthe device 100 b. In this example, the memory 160 may include the memory260; the electronic circuitry 130 b may include the processor 230 and atimer 240; and the inhalation unit 110 b may include a timer 240, theinhalation timing sensor 250, the air flow sensor 270 and/or the heatingelement sensor 280. In this example, the electronic circuitry 130 b andthe inhalation unit 110 b may include communications circuitryconfigured to send and receive data between the electronic circuitry 130b and the inhalation unit 110 b. The communications between theelectronic circuitry 130 b and the inhalation unit 110 b may be viawired connection configured to transfer data when the inhalation unit110 b is paired with the charging unit 180 or wireless connection (e.g.,Bluetooth, near field communication, etc.)

In another example, the inhalation sensor 200 may be wholly or partiallyincorporated within an external device (e.g., a computer, a smart phone,a smart watch, a fitness tracker, etc.). In this example, the externaldevice may include the processor 230, the memory 260, the timer 240; andthe device 100 a-c may include the inhalation timing sensor, the airflow sensor, and/or the heating element sensor. The external device andthe device 100 a-c may include wired or wireless communicationscircuitry as described above.

The inhalation sensor 200 is configured to determine (i.e., estimateand/or measure) the amount of nicotine or THC consumed by a user. Onefactor used to determine the amount of nicotine or THC consumed by auser is the nicotine/THC content of the solution 112. The nicotine/THCcontent of the solution 112 may be pre-determined (for example, byanalyzing the solution 112 with a spectrometer tank) and stored in thememory 260 of as part of the solution profile 262. The solution profile262 may also include additional information regarding the solution 112.For example, the solution profile 262 may include the burning point ofthe solution 112 (i.e., the temperature at which the solution 112 beginsreleasing toxic substances to the user).

In one exemplary embodiment, the device 100 a-c may be configured topair with a single diluted nicotine/THC solution 112 (e.g., a single useelectronic cigarette, an electronic cigarette with one type ofmechanically compatible reservoir 110 a pre-filled with a single type ofsolution 112, etc.). In this embodiment, the solution profile 264associated with the solution 112 may be pre-stored in the memory 260 ofthe inhalation sensor 200.

In another exemplary embodiment, the device 100 a-c may be configured topair with a multiple diluted nicotine/THC solutions 112 (e.g., anelectronic cigarette with multiple compatible reservoirs 110 a, arefillable vaporizer, etc.). In this embodiment, the solution profile262 may be selected by the user based on the solution 112 paired withthe device 100 a-c. The solution profile 262 associated with thesolution 112 may be downloaded from the internet via an external device(e.g., a computer, a smart phone, etc.) and transferred to theinhalation sensor 200 via a wired (e.g., USB) or wireless connection(e.g., Bluetooth). The solution profile 262 associated with the solution112 may be determined and/or distributed by the manufacturer of thesolution 112 or a third party (for example, NicoTech, LLC).

The amount of nicotine or THC consumed by a user may be further based onthe type of solution 112 (e.g., a vegetable glycerin solution, apropylene glycol solution, etc.). Accordingly, the solution profile 262may include information indicative of the solution type and theinhalation sensor 200 may further determine the amount of nicotine orTHC consumed by the user based on the solution type.

In instances where the device 100 a-b includes a heating element 140,another factor used to determine the amount of nicotine or THC consumedby a user may be the temperature of the heating element 140. After theheating element 140 is activated during inhalation, the temperature ofthe heating element 140 rises. Accordingly, the temperature of theheating element 140 is dependent on the length of an inhalation.Accordingly, the inhalation sensor 200 may be configured to determineinformation indicative of the temperature of the heating element 140based on the length of an inhalation.

The inhalation sensor 200 may determine the length of each inhalationbased on the output of the inhalation timing sensor 250 and the timer240 which may be incorporated, for example, in the device 100 a or theinhalation unit 112 b. For example, the inhalation timing sensor 250 mayoutput signals indicative of the beginning and end of an inhalation andthe inhalation sensor 200 may determine the elapsed time between thebeginning and the end of the inhalation based on the output of the timer240.

The relationship between the length of an inhalation and the temperatureof the heating element 140 may be pre-determined (for example, bysimulating the use of a prototypical alternative nicotine/THC deliverydevice and measuring the physical characteristics of the device) andstored in the memory 260 as part of the device profile 264. The deviceprofile 264 may be determined, for example, by placing the aprototypical alternative nicotine/THC delivery device (e.g., the samemodel as the alternative nicotine/THC delivery device 100 a-b thatincludes the inhalation sensor 200) in a simulated puffing device,activating the prototypical alternative nicotine/THC delivery device fora series of successive durations and measuring the temperature of theheating element 140. The device profile 264 may also include additioninformation regarding the device 100 a-c. The additional information maybe pre-determined using the simulated puffing device in combination withthe spectrometer, a gas chromatograph, a volume measurement setup, etc.For example, the device profile 264 may determine if and when the device100 a-b reaches the burning point of the solution 112.

The temperature of the heating element 140 may also be dependent on thetime elapsed between each inhalation. As described above, some deviceslimit the length of a single inhalation in order to prevent the heatingelement 140 from overheating and burning the solution 112. A user,however, may initiate multiple inhalations in quick succession,activating the heating element 140 before it has cooled down after theinitial inhalation. Therefore, the amount of nicotine or THC consumed bythe user may be further based on the time between inhalations.Accordingly, the inhalation sensor 200 may be further configured todetermine the amount of nicotine or THC consumed by the user furtherbased on the time between inhalations. Similar to the duration of eachinhalation, the time between inhalations may be determined based on theoutput of the timer 240 and the inhalation timing sensor 250.

The inhalation sensor 200 may determine the information indicative ofthe temperature of the heating element 140 based on the duration of eachinhalation, the time between inhalations, and information included inthe device profile 254. For example, the device profile 264 may includea ramp up profile indicative of the temperature of the heating element140 during ramp up (i.e., the temperature increase of the heatingelement 140 during inhalation) and a decaying profile indicative of thetemperature of the heating element 140 during ramp down (i.e., thetemperature decrease of the heating element 140 after the heatingelement is de-activated). Accordingly, the inhalation sensor 200 may beconfigured to determine information indicative of the temperature of theheating element 140 during a single inhalation or multiple successiveinhalations based on the duration of each inhalation and the timeelapsed between inhalations.

Instead of relying solely on the device profile 264, the inhalationsensor 200 may include an optional heating element sensor 280incorporated in the device 100 a or the inhalation unit 110 b. Theheating element sensor 280 may be configured to determine thetemperature of the heating element 140, for example, based on thein-line resistance and voltage of the heating element 140 detected bythe heating element sensor 280.

The amount of nicotine or THC consumed by a user may also depend on theair flow rate of the device 100 a or inhalation unit 100 b during eachinhalation. The inhalation sensor 200 may estimate the air flow duringeach inhalation based on information included in the device profile 264.For example, an estimated air flow rate may be pre-determined bysimulating the use of a prototypical device as described above andmeasuring the air flow of the prototypical device during one or moresimulated inhalations. In this example, the inhalation sensor 200 mayestimate the air flow during each inhalation, for example, bymultiplying the estimated air flow rate by the duration of eachinhalation. Alternatively, the inhalation sensor 200 may include anoptional air flow sensor 270. The air flow sensor 270 may beincorporated within the device 100 a or the inhalation unit 110 b andmay be configured to determine the air flow or air flow rate of thedevice 100 a-b during each inhalation. The air flow sensor 270 may beany device configured to measure or estimate the air flow or air flowrate of the device 100 a or the inhalation unit 100 b, including apressure gauge, a vacuum gauge, a diaphragm, an impeller setup, etc.

As described above, continuing to inhale from the device 100 a-b afterthe temperature of the heating element 140 has reached the burning pointof the solution 112 may cause the user to ingest potentially toxicsubstances (e.g., formaldehyde) from the solution 112. Conventionalalternative nicotine/THC delivery devices may attempt to prevent theburning of a nicotine/THC solution by limiting the duration of a singleinhalation. A user, however, may further increase the temperature of aheating element of a conventional alternative nicotine/THC deliverydevice by initiating multiple successive inhalations. As also describedabove, the inhalation sensor 200 of the present invention may beconfigured to determine the temperature of the heating element 140 andthe solution profile 262 may include information indicative of theboiling point of the solution 112. Therefore, the inhalation sensor 200may be further configured to prevent the heating element 140 fromboiling the solution 112 (even when the user initiates successiveinhalations) by comparing the temperature of the heating element 140 (asdetermined by the inhalation sensor 200) and the boiling point of thesolution 112 and outputting a signal if the temperature of the heatingelement 140 is approaching or exceeds the boiling point of the solution112. The device 100 a-b may be configured to prevent the heating element140 from approaching or exceeding the boiling point of the solution 112(e.g., by disconnecting the heating element 140 from the power source120) and/or output an audible or visual warning (e.g., via an LED orspeaker) to the user if the temperature of the heating element 140 isapproaching or exceeds the boiling point of the solution 112.

The inhalation sensor 200 may be further configured to determine (i.e.,estimate or measure) the nicotine, cotinine, or THC levels of a user.Because nicotine and THC are metabolized primarily by liver enzymes, thenicotine, cotinine, or THC levels of a user may be further based on theliver performance of the user. Accordingly, the inhalation sensor 200may be further configured to estimate the liver performance of the userbased on static and/or dynamic biometrics of the user stored, forexample, in the memory 260. The static biometrics of the user mayinclude the body weight of the user (which may be used as an estimate ofliver mass) and/or the sex, age, height, weight, and/or body type of theuser (which may be used as an estimate of liver performance). The staticbiometrics of the user may also include the user's average water/fluidintake, sampled cotinine levels, sampled hormone levels, etc. The staticbiometrics of the user may be input into the inhalation sensor 200directly or input into an external device (e.g., a computer, a smartphone, etc.), transferred to the inhalation sensor 200 via a wired orwireless connection.

The dynamic biometrics of the user may include the metabolic rate of theuser. The user's metabolic rate may be determined by an external device(e.g., a fitness tracker, a fitness watch, etc.) and transferred to andstored by the inhalation sensor 200 as described above. The dynamicbiometrics of the user may also include hydration of the user. Theuser's hydration may be similarly determined by an external device andtransferred to the inhalation sensor 200. Alternatively, the device 100a-c may include a hydration sensor. For example, the hydration sensormay be located on the exterior surface of the device 100 a or inhalationunit 110 b-c and may determine the bioelectrical impedance of the userbased on contact with the user's fingers or mouth. In this instance, theinhalation sensor 200 may estimate the user's hydration based on thebioelectrical impedance of the user.

As described above, the inhalation sensor 200 may be integrated with thedevice 100 a-c and may be configured to receive static and/or dynamicbiometrics of the user from an external device. Alternatively, theinhalation sensor 200 may be stored and executed by an external deviceconfigured to receive the duration of each inhalation, the time betweeninhalations, and/or the bioelectrical impedance of the user from thedevice 100 a-b.

The ramp up profile and the decaying profile of the device 100 a-c maychange over time. For example, the heating element 140 may oxidize orthe output of the power supply 120 a-b may change. Accordingly, theinhalation sensor 200 may be configured to update the device profile 264to account for the changing characteristics of the device 100 a-c. Forexample, the inhalation sensor 200 may be configured to receivemeasurements or estimates of the nicotine, cotinine, or THC levels of auser (e.g., from an external device as described above) and update thedevice profile 264 based on the measured or estimated nicotine,cotinine, or THC levels of a user in order to more accurately determinethe amount of nicotine or THC consumed by a user and/or the nicotine,cotinine, or THC levels of the user.

In another low-cost exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thedevice 100 a-b may include a capacitor and the power source 120 a. Thepower source 120 a is configured to charge the capacitor. The capacitorin turn provides power to the heating element 140 for one session. Inthis instance, because the amount of power stored by the capacitor anddelivered to the heating element 140 is predetermined, the amount ofnicotine or THC consumed by a user may be pre-determined and stored inthe inhalation sensor 200. Furthermore, the circuit may be arranged suchthat the capacitor is trickle-charged (charged slowly) from the powersource 120 a at a rate inverse to the half-life of nicotine or THC.Accordingly, as the concentration of nicotine or THC in the user falls,the capacitor's charge increases and allows the user to consume morenicotine or THC only as the concentration of nicotine or THC in the userfalls. This embodiment provides a low-cost alternative to a realtimeclock with digital logic while limiting the rate at which a user mayconsume nicotine or THC over time.

In embodiments where the inhalation unit 110 c does not include aheating element (for example, as shown in FIG. 1C), the inhalationsensor 200 may be realized in a device external to the inhalation unit110 c (for example, the charging unit 180 b or an external device) andmay be configured to determine the amount of nicotine or THC consumed bythe user based on the solution profile 262, the device profile 264, andthe time intervals between each instance when the inhalation unit 110 cis refilled by the reservoir 170.

For example, the solution profile 262 may include the nicotine or THCconcentration information as described above and the device profile 264may include information indicative of the amount of vapor stored in theinhalation unit 110 c. Each time the inhalation unit 110 c is refilledby the reservoir 170, the inhalation sensor 200 may assume that theinhalation included the amount of vapor stored in the inhalation unit110 c. In this instance, the inhalation sensor 200 may estimate that theinhalation took place at some time between when the inhalation unit 110c was disconnected and reconnected with the charging unit 180 b.

Alternatively, the inhalation unit 110 c may contain a small powersource (e.g., a battery a rapid charge capacitor, etc.) that isrecharged when the inhalation unit 110 c is inserted into the reservoir170. In this instance, the inhalation unit 110 c may be configured todetermine the time of the inhalation and may transfer informationindicative of the inhalation time to the charging unit 180 b when theinhalation unit 110 c mates with the charging unit 180 b.

The inhalation sensor 200 may be configured to output the nicotine/THCconsumption information (e.g., the amount of nicotine or THC consumed bythe user and/or user nicotine, cotinine, or THC levels) to the user inthe form of visual or audible notification and/or output thenicotine/THC consumption information to an external device (e.g., acomputer, a smart phone, a fitness tracker, a fitness watch, etc.).

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device 300according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thedevice 300 may be configured to deliver the nicotine/THC solution 112similar to the device 100 a or inhalation unit 110 b-c. The device 300may also include visual indicators 310, 320, and 330 configured tooutput the nicotine/THC consumption information described above. Asdescribed in more detail below, the visual indicator 310, 320, and 330may be any suitable device configured to selectively emit or reflectlight. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality ofvisual indicators 310 emit or reflect light proportional to the nicotineor THC consumption over a predetermined time period or user nicotine,cotinine, or THC levels. The visual indicators 310 may emit or reflectlight proportional to the amount of nicotine or THC consumed over thepast 24 hours, the amount of nicotine or THC consumed during the currentsession, the estimated current plasma levels of a user, or the estimatedaverage plasma levels of a user over the last 24 hours. The visualindicator 320 may indicate that a target minimum amount of nicotine orTHC (for example, 0 mg) has been consumed over the last 24 hours. Thevisual indicator 330 may indicate that a predetermined maximum amount ofnicotine or THC (for example, 30 mg) has been consumed over the last 24hours.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device 400according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thedevice 400 may be configured to deliver the nicotine/THC solution 112similar to the device 100 a or inhalation unit 110 b-c. The device 400may also include visual indicators 410 ₁-410 _(n) that mimic thenicotine or THC consumption (or user nicotine, cotinine, or THC levels)of a traditional cigarette. Similar to the visual indicators 310, 320,and 330, the visual indicators 410 ₁-410 _(n) may be any suitable deviceconfigured to selectively emit or reflect light. In the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the visual indicators 410 ₁-410 _(n)emit or reflect light in succession as nicotine or THC is consumed. Asshown, visual indicator 420 emits or reflects light while the othervisual indicators 410 ₁-410 _(n) are off.

The visual indicators 410 ₁-410 _(n) may be configured to outputnicotine or THC consumption information proportional to the nicotine orTHC included in a traditional cigarette. For example, visual indicator410 ₁ may output a visual indication at the start of a smoking session.Visual indicators 410 ₂-410 _(n) may emit or reflect light in successionas the user continues to use the device 400. The visual indicator 410_(n) may emit or reflect light when the inhalation sensor 200 estimatesthat the amount of nicotine or THC consumed by the user is equivalent tothe amount of nicotine or THC in a tradition cigarette.

Alternatively, the output of the visual indicators 410 ₁-410 _(n) may beproportional to another pre-determined maximum nicotine or THCconsumption or user nicotine, cotinine, or THC level. The user nicotine,cotinine, or THC levels may be based on an estimated current level andan estimated average level over a specified time period. The device 400may audibly (e.g., via an optional speaker) or visually (e.g., via thevisual indicators 410 ₁-410 _(n)) alert the user that the nicotine orTHC consumption level has reached or exceeded a predetermined maximumconsumption level. Additionally or alternatively, the device 400 mayaudibly or visually alert the user that the nicotine or THC consumptionlevel has fallen beneath a target threshold to notify the user when theuser may resume using the device 400.

In one exemplary embodiment, the visual indicators 310, 320, 330, 410,and/or 420 may be light emitting diodes (LEDs) or any other suitabledevice configured to emit light. In this instance, the visual indicators310, 320, 330, 410, and/or 420 may receive power from the power supply120 a of the device 100 or the power supply of the inhalation unit 110b.

In another exemplary embodiment, the visual indicators 310, 320, 330,410, and/or 420 may be an electronic paper display (e.g., anelectrophoretic display, an electro-wetting display, an electrofluidicdisplay, an interferometric modulator, a micro-electro-mechanicalsystem, etc.) or any other suitable device configured to reflect light.In this instance, the visual indicators 310, 320, 330, 410, and/or 420may receive power from the power supply 120 a of the device 100 or thepower supply of the inhalation unit 110 b. Alternatively, the powerrequired to adjust the pixels of the electronic paper display may besupplied by an external device such as the charging unit 180.

In one exemplary embodiment, the visual indicators 310, 320, 330, 410,and/or 420 may be thermochromic, electrochromic, or electroluminescentpolymers or paints. The polymers or paints may additionally have a color(or visibility) reversibility delay calibrated to an average ofbiological half-life of nicotine or THC, thus enabling the visualindicators 310, 320, 330, 410, or 420 to revert to the original color orvisibility in a manner indicative of (e.g., proportional to) thenicotine, cotinine, or THC level of the user. Alternatively, micro-scalecapacitors wired in series (with or without a timer) with resistors maybe utilized. In this instance, information indicative of nicotine or THCconsumption (or nicotine, cotinine, or THC levels) may be output byapplying power to a series of emitters (e.g., LEDs) and/or activatingelectrochromic or electroluminescent polymers or paints and allowing theslow drain of the capacitors to restore the visual indicators to theiroriginal state in a manner indicative (e.g., proportional) of the in amanner indicative of (e.g., proportional to) the nicotine, cotinine, orTHC level of the user.

In another exemplary embodiment, the visual indicators 310, 320, 330,410, and/or 420 may be mechanical. The inhalation unit 110 c of FIG. 1C,for example, may include an internal screw-based usage indicatormechanism. When the inhalation unit 110 c mates with the charging unit180 b, the charging unit may rotate the screw-based usage indicatormechanism such that the visibility of colored tiles are adjusted.

The inhalation sensor 200 may limit the amount of nicotine or THCconsumed over time. In instances where the device 100 a-b includes aheating element 140, for example, the inhalation sensor 200 may preventthe heating element 140 from heating if the user has reached or exceededa predetermined maximum nicotine/THC consumption level in a given timeperiod (for example, a usage session, a daily limit, or any othermeasure of time) or a predetermined maximum user nicotine, cotinine, orTHC level. Alternatively, the heating element 140 may be configured tooutput a reduced amount of heat if the user has reached or exceeded thepredetermined maximum nicotine or THC consumption level in the giventime period or the predetermined maximum user nicotine, cotinine, or THClevel. In instances where the inhalation unit 110 c does not include aheating element 140, the inhalation sensor 200 may prevent the reservoir170 from refilling the inhalation unit 110 c if the user has reached orexceeded the predetermined maximum nicotine or THC consumption level inthe given time period or the predetermined maximum user nicotine,cotinine, or THC level. The predetermined maximum nicotine or THCconsumption level or the user nicotine, cotinine, or THC level may beuser adjustable.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device 500according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thedevice 500 may be configured to deliver the nicotine or THC solution 112similar to the device 100 a or inhalation unit 110 b-c. The device 500may also include one or more user input devices 510 and 520 configuredto adjust the predetermined maximum nicotine or THC consumption or usernicotine, cotinine, or THC level. The user input devices 510 and 520 maybe, for example, dials or switches connected to a variable resistor. Theinhalation sensor 200 may adjust the predetermined maximum nicotine orTHC consumption or user nicotine, cotinine, or THC level based on thelocation of the user input devices 510 and 520.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the user input device510 may be used to adjust the predetermined maximum nicotine/THCconsumption for one session while the user input device 520 may be usedto adjust a the predetermined maximum nicotine/THC consumption for onerolling 24 hour period. The user input devices 510 and 520 andinhalation sensor 200 may be calibrated such that user input devices 510and 520 are aligned with visual indicators such as hash marks 512 and522. The number of user input devices and the degree of freedomavailable for each user input device may be constrained by the size ofthe device 500. Alternatively, the predetermined maximum nicotine/THCconsumption or user nicotine/cotinine/THC levels may be preprogrammed oradjustable by a user through an external device in communication withthe device 500 wireless or wired connection as described above.

Alternatively, the device 500 may include user input devices similar touser input devices 510 and 520 that allow a user to input one or moreuser biometrics. For example, the device may include a user input devicethat allows a user to input the user's weight.

The alternative nicotine/THC delivery device may include one or morealternate reservoirs that may include a reduced concentration ofnicotine/THC solution 112 (either in addition to the reservoir 110 or ina separate portion of the reservoir 110). The alternate reservoir mayenable a user to manually switch to a reduced concentration ofnicotine/THC solution. Alternatively, the alternative nicotine/THCdelivery device may automatically vaporize the reduced concentrationnicotine/THC solution 112 in response to a determination by theinhalation sensor 200 that the user has consumed a predetermined maximumnicotine or THC amount or the user nicotine/cotinine/THC levels hasreached a predetermined maximum level.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative nicotine/THC delivery device 600according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thedevice 600 may be configured to deliver a nicotine/THC solution 112similar to the device 100 a or inhalation unit 110 b-c. The device 600may also include reservoirs 610, 612, and 614, for containing solutionwith three distinct concentrations of nicotine or THC.

For example, the reservoir 610 may include the highest concentration ofnicotine or THC, reservoir 612 may include a reduced-concentrationsolution, and the reservoir 614 (on the back side of the device 600relative to the viewer) may include a solution with no nicotine or THC.The device 600 may be configured to vaporize the solution in reservoir612 until the user has reached or exceeded the predetermined nicotine orTHC consumption target in a given time period, and then vaporize thereduced-concentrated solution (for example, by an alternate heatingelement and/or a reservoir injection system) in reservoir 614 untilnicotine or THC consumption levels are reduced below the target level(or another pre-defined level of nicotine or THC consumption). Thedevice 600 may also be configured to vaporize the solution in reservoir614 if the user has reached or exceeded a second predeterminednicotine/THC consumption target in a given time period.

Alternatively, the device 600 may include an on-demand solution mixingdevice for electromechanically mixing pure nicotine or THC and solventsin a reservoir or directly into the heating element in order to providea reduced-concentration solution 112.

FIG. 7 illustrates another view of the charging unit 180 a illustratedin FIG. 1B and/or the charging unit 180 b illustrated in FIG. 1C. Asillustrated in FIG. 7, the charging unit 180 may include an input/outputdevice 710, a visual indicator 720, and/or a visual indicator 730.

The input/output device 710 may any suitable device configured toreceive input from a user and/or display information to a user. Theinput/output device 710 may be configured to enable a user to input oradjust the predetermined maximum nicotine/THC consumption level, thepredetermined maximum user nicotine/cotinine/THC level, static ordynamic biometric information, etc. The input/output device 710 may alsobe configured to output (e.g., via a display) the predetermined maximumnicotine/THC consumption level, the maximum user nicotine/cotinine/THClevel, static or dynamic biometric information, etc.

The visual indicator 720 or 730 may output information indicative of theuser nicotine/THC consumption or user nicotine/cotinine/THC levels.Similar to the visual indicators 310, 320, 330, and 410, the visualindicator 720 or 730 may be any suitable device configured toselectively emit or reflect light.

In each of the exemplary embodiments described above, the inhalationsensor 200 may be used as a smoking cessation device. In some instances,the simple act of informing the user regarding nicotine or THCconsumption or user nicotine, cotinine, or THC levels may reducenicotine or THC consumption. In other instances, the user may berestricted from exceeding a predetermined maximum nicotine or THCconsumption or user nicotine, cotinine, or THC level.

The inhalation sensor 200 may be configured to reduce the predeterminedmaximum nicotine/THC consumption or user nicotine/cotinine/THC levelover a large time window (for example, days, weeks, months, etc.). Theinhalation sensor 200 may be configured to account for human models ofwithdrawal. For instance, the inhalation sensor 200 may allow for highimpulses upon wake and then further tapering throughout wakeful hours.Alternatively, the inhalation sensor 200 may be configured to mimictraditional cigarette profiles. For example, a user may prefer anicotine consumption limit equivalent to one pack of traditionalcigarettes per day, spaced out into 20 equal doses equivalent to onetraditional cigarette each.

While exemplary embodiments have been set forth above, those skilled inthe art who have reviewed the present disclosure will readily appreciatethat other embodiments can be realized within the scope of theinvention. For example, while this disclosure describes regulating fivedistinct measures of nicotine or THC consumption with respect to time(peak nicotine/THC plasma levels, average nicotine/THC plasma levels,cumulative nicotine/THC consumption over a sliding window, cotininelevels over a sliding window, and nicotine/THC consumption per session)it is to be understood that other metrics are simply reconfiguration ofthe same logic (programmable variants) and should be encompassed by thisapplication. Therefore, the present invention should be construed aslimited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: determining, by a processor,instructions for providing a first inhalation containing a firstvaporizable solution and a second inhalation containing a secondvaporizable solution, wherein the first vaporizable solution comprises afirst substance, and wherein the second vaporizable solution comprises asecond substance and does not comprise the first substance; providing aplurality of inhalations from an alternative nicotine/THC deliverydevice, the plurality of inhalations based on the instructions from theprocessor and comprising the first inhalation and the second inhalation;receiving, by the processor, user input regarding the delivery of thefirst vaporizable solution and the second vaporizable solution; andmodifying, by the processor and based on the user input, theinstructions for providing the inhalations from the alternativenicotine/THC delivery device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thefirst substance comprises nicotine.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe second substance does not comprise nicotine.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the processor is incorporated within a computer, a smartphone, a smart watch, or a fitness tracker.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein: the instructions for providing the inhalations from thealternative nicotine/THC delivery device are based on static and/ordynamic biometrics of the user; and the processor is configured toreduce consumption of the first substance by the user.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein providing the plurality of inhalations comprises:storing the first vaporizable solution in a first reservoir; heating thefirst vaporizable solution to generate the first inhalation; storing thesecond vaporizable material in a second reservoir; and heating thesecond vaporizable material to generate the second inhalation.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the determining the instructions forproviding the first inhalation and the second inhalation is based onuser input by interaction of the user with a computer or smart phone. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein receiving the computer or smart phoneincludes the processor.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the user inputcomprises at least one of: the body weight of the user, the sex of theuser, the age of the user, the height of the user, the body type of theuser, average water/fluid intake of the user, sampled cotinine levels ofthe user, sampled hormone levels of the user, the metabolic rate of theuser, hydration of the user.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the userinput comprises at least one of: the body weight of the user, the sex ofthe user, the age of the user, the height of the user, the body type ofthe user, average water/fluid intake of the user, sampled cotininelevels of the user, sampled hormone levels of the user, the metabolicrate of the user, and hydration of the user.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein receiving the user input comprises receiving the user input fromat least one of: a computer, a smartphone, an input/output deviceincluded in a charging unit of the alternative nicotine/THC deliverydevice, and one or more input devices included in the alternativenicotine/THC delivery device.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein themodifying comprises increasing a quantity of inhalations of the secondvaporizable solution and decreasing a quantity of inhalations of thefirst vaporizable solution.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein themodifying comprises mixing a quantity of the first vaporizable solutionwith a quantity of the second vaporizable solution.
 14. An alternativenicotine/THC delivery device comprising: a processor; and memory storinginstructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the alternativenicotine/THC delivery device to at least: determining, by the processor,instructions for providing a first inhalation containing a firstvaporizable solution and a second inhalation containing a secondvaporizable solution, wherein the first vaporizable solution comprises afirst substance, and wherein the second vaporizable solution comprises asecond substance and does not comprise the first sub stance; providing aplurality of inhalations from the alternative nicotine/THC deliverydevice, the plurality of inhalations based on the instructions from theprocessor and comprising the first inhalation and the second inhalation;receiving, by the processor, user input regarding the delivery of thefirst vaporizable solution and the second vaporizable solution; andmodifying, by the processor and based on the user input, theinstructions for providing the inhalations from the alternativenicotine/THC delivery device.
 15. The alternative nicotine/THC deliverydevice of claim 14, wherein the first substance comprises nicotine. 16.The alternative nicotine/THC delivery device of claim 14, wherein thesecond substance does not comprise nicotine.
 17. The alternativenicotine/THC delivery device of claim 14, wherein the instructions forproviding the inhalations from the alternative nicotine/THC deliverydevice are based on static and/or dynamic biometrics of the user and theprocessor is configured to reduce consumption of the first substance bythe user.
 18. The alternative nicotine/THC delivery device of claim 14,wherein providing the plurality of inhalations comprises: storing thefirst vaporizable solution in a first reservoir; heating the firstvaporizable solution to generate the first inhalation; storing thesecond vaporizable material in a second reservoir; and heating thesecond vaporizable material to generate the second inhalation.
 19. Thealternative nicotine/THC delivery device of claim 16, wherein thedetermining the instructions for providing the first inhalation and thesecond inhalation is based on user input by interaction of the user witha computer or smart phone.